Ride-hailing app Rapido has introduced a new rule that’s causing widespread dissatisfaction among its users.
If your ride gets delayed due to heavy traffic, you will now have to pay an extra charge. The company will add ₹0.50 per minute for traffic delays lasting more than 10 minutes, with a maximum charge of ₹30.
This move has surprised many passengers, who feel it’s unfair to pay for something they cannot control.
Public Reaction: Anger and Frustration
The new policy has sparked outrage in cities like Bengaluru. Many users have called it “unfair” and “exploitative.”
They argue that since traffic is not in the passenger’s control, it’s wrong to be charged for delays.
One such passenger, Pavitra Rao from Hebbal, told The Hindu that despite tipping ₹40, she still had to pay extra due to traffic.
She said, “Drivers should be paid fairly, but charging passengers for traffic is like extortion.”
Ongoing Issues: Tipping and Trust
This is not the first time Rapido has faced criticism. Earlier, there was a controversy over tipping, when the app added an “Add tip” option during ride booking.
This led to an investigation by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), ordered by Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi on May 21.
Although Rapido and other apps like Ola and Uber changed the tip wording to “Add more (voluntary),” users feel that nothing has really changed in practice.
Now, with the addition of traffic delay charges, users say that these companies are profiting from situations out of the customer’s control.
Many believe this damages trust, and they’re calling for strict regulation and transparency.
Investigation Underway
The CCPA is currently investigating the matter, but Rapido has not yet made an official statement.
As consumer complaints continue to rise, many hope the government will take strong action.
